The Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Lepisosteidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Description
The longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) is an ancient North American predator of the family Lepisosteidae. The species has a strongly elongate, cylindrical body covered with hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales, and a very long, narrow snout full of sharp teeth; it can exceed two metres. Adults live in sluggish pools, backwaters and oxbows of rivers and lakes, often near vegetation, and sometimes enter brackish water. Thanks to a swim bladder that functions as a lung it can breathe air. As an ambush predator it hunts fishes. The toothy snout can bite and the roe (eggs) is poisonous to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gar?
The Gar has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Gar live?
The Gar lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Gar get?
The Gar grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Gar dangerous to humans?
The Gar can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.
Is the Gar edible?
The Gar is rarely eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lepisosteus
More from the family Lepisosteidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.